How much government waste will commission find?

Facing a likely $700 million budget shortfall in the next legislative session, Gov. Gary Herbert has established a high-powered commission to root out waste and inefficiency in state government. This raises some interesting questions:

Why did Herbert assemble this commission instead of using internal resources like his Cabinet, the Governor's Office of Planning and Budget, and his senior staff, to find places to cut?

Pignanelli: "There is no monument dedicated to the memory of a committee." — Lester Pourciau.

If anyone knows where the bodies are buried or knows a good grave digger, it is Gary Herbert. Herbert has a smart staff with solid recommendations for state policy. But the governor has an upcoming election, a struggling economy and a Legislature with its own mind (and possible opponents). In other words, he needs cover. Selecting former Gov. Norm Bangerter to lead the effort is shrewd, as Bangerter enjoys a well-deserved status as one of Utah's great leaders in the 20th century. Bangerter made the tough decisions 20 years ago and will recommend stiff medicine for the state.

Webb: Certainly, the governor is well-intentioned in organizing this group of heavy-hitters. They have a ton of experience and background in both government and business and will have a great deal of credibility. Politicians don't like to feel lonely when they make hard decisions, and having an independent outside panel of prominent leaders make suggestions for unpopular cuts provides the governor and the Legislature cover for any tough actions.

Will this commission really accomplish anything?

Pignanelli: The commission will offer important recommendations, but implementation is the tough part.

Webb: Given the size of the commission and the broad representation, it's going to be enormously difficult to reach any sort of consensus on major savings, let alone muster the political will in the Legislature to do really hard things.

Utah has been named the nation's best-managed state numerous times for good reason. Utah's Legislature and governors have been quite careful and frugal. Each program and each expenditure has vocal champions. The commission may find some nickels and dimes if it digs deep, but to really make an impact, whole programs must be lopped off, or entirely new approaches to government programs must be implemented. It will be incredibly difficult for this diverse commission to reach agreement on far-reaching innovations.

It will also be rather embarrassing for the governor and the commission if little of major significance is accomplished.